OoruLearn Kannada: survival phrases for Bangalore
Kannada is the language of Karnataka and of everyday life in Bengaluru. These are the phrases newcomers use most: greetings, talking to auto drivers, asking directions, ordering at a darshini, shopping and getting help. Each one is written the way it sounds, so there is no script to learn.
One-line survival kit
If you learn only five lines, make it these:
- Nange Kannada gottilla: I don't know Kannada
- Swalpa English mathadthira?: Can you speak a little English?
- Idhu eshhtu?: How much is this?
- Illi hogbeku: I want to go here
- Dayavittu help maadi: Please help
Basic Politeness
| English | Kannada (say it like this) |
|---|---|
| Hello | Namaskara |
| Thank you | Dhanyavaadagalu |
| Yes | Howdu |
| No | Illaa |
| Please | Dayavittu |
| Sorry | Kshamisi |
| I don't know Kannada | Nange Kannada baralla |
| I don't know Kannada, can you speak a little English? | Nange Kannada baralla, swalpa English mathadthira? |
Asking Directions
| English | Kannada (say it like this) |
|---|---|
| Where is this? | Idhu elli ide? |
| Where is [place]? | [place] elli ide? |
| How far? | Eshhtu doora? |
| Straight | Nera |
| Left | Eda bagge |
| Right | Bala bagge |
| Here | Illi |
| There | Aalli |
| Where is MG Road? | MG Road elli ide? |
Auto / Taxi / Rapido
| English | Kannada (say it like this) |
|---|---|
| How much? | Eshhtu? |
| Too much | Jasti aagide |
| Reduce price | Swalpa kammi maadi |
| I'll go there | Naan alli hogbeku |
| Stop here | Illi nilsi |
| Go straight | Nera hogi |
| Please turn on the meter | Meter haaki please |
| How much to go there? | Eshhtu aagutte alli hogakke? |
Food Ordering
| English | Kannada (say it like this) |
|---|---|
| I want this | Idhu beku |
| What is this? | Idhu enu? |
| Spicy | Khara |
| Less spicy | Kammi khara |
| Extra rice | Hecchu anna |
| Water | Neeru |
| Bill please | Bill kodi |
| I want onion dosa | Onion dosa beku |
| Give coffee | Coffee kodi |
Street Food / Local Shops
| English | Kannada (say it like this) |
|---|---|
| How much is this? | Idhu eshhtu? |
| Give one | Ondu kodi |
| Give two | Eradu kodi |
| Fresh? | Fresh aa? |
| Hot | Bisi |
| Pack it | Pack maadi |
Emergency / Help
| English | Kannada (say it like this) |
|---|---|
| Help | Sahaya maadi |
| Call police | Police ge kare maadi |
| Where is the hospital? | Hospital elli ide? |
| I am lost | Naan thappide |
| I don't understand | Nange artha aagalla |
Everyday Social Kannada
| English | Kannada (say it like this) |
|---|---|
| Where are you from? | Neenu ellinda bandiddiya? |
| I'm from… | Naan …inda bandiddini |
| It's okay | Parvagilla |
| Let's go | Hogona |
| Come (polite plural) | Baa / Banni |
Bengaluru-Specific Words
| English | Kannada (say it like this) |
|---|---|
| Meal (food) | Oota |
| Famous rice dish | Bisi bele bath |
| Breakfast / light meal | Tiffin |
| Restaurant (not lodging) | Hotel |
| Small local eatery | Mess |
| Chicken fry | Koli / Koli fry |
Cultural tip
People in Bengaluru are generally multilingual. Even broken Kannada mixed with English works better than English alone: the effort matters more than accuracy.
Kannada questions people ask
How do you say thank you in Kannada?
Thank you in Kannada is "Dhanyavaadagalu". In casual conversation in Bengaluru many people also just say "thanks".
How do you say hello in Kannada?
"Namaskara" is the standard greeting in Kannada. It works as hello and as a respectful greeting at any time of day.
How do I say "I don't know Kannada" in Kannada?
Say "Nange Kannada baralla" or "Nange Kannada gottilla". Follow it with "Swalpa English mathadthira?" to ask whether the person can speak a little English.
How do you ask "how much" in Kannada?
"Idhu eshhtu?" means "How much is this?". In an auto, ask "Eshhtu aagutte alli hogakke?" for "How much to go there?", and "Meter haaki please" to ask for the meter.
What does "swalpa adjust maadi" mean?
It means "please adjust a little". It is one of Bengaluru's best known phrases, used for everything from making space on a bus seat to haggling over a fare.
How can I learn Kannada quickly?
Start with the five survival lines on this page and use them every day with auto drivers, shopkeepers and darshini staff, then add a few phrases a week. People in Bengaluru appreciate the effort far more than perfect grammar.
Want more? Read our longer guide, Survival Kannada for beginners.